In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (sonot her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother—a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career—if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes—and mouth—are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.

Oh hello cuteness!! I have heard so much about Jill Shalvis’ LUCKY HARBOR series and how adorable it is and I am so glad it did not disappoint. I snagged a copy of SIMPLY IRRESISTABLE on sale a while back when I decided that adult romance was something I needed more in my life and Jill Shalvis was top of everyone’s recommendations. Not to mention that it’s set in Washington State where some of the best people I know are from and a place I am determined to visit, I knew book one of this series was a must-read.

Maddie isn’t having the best week. As if losing her job and breaking up with an abusive ex wasn’t bad enough – she’s now on her way to Lucky Harbor, a sleepy, coastal town to meet her estranged sisters Chloe and Tara to figure out what to do with the ramshackle old inn her mother left the threesome in her will. Oh and she almost ran over the hottest guy in town – Jax Cullen. So yeah…not the best week. As Maddie throws herself into renovating the inn despite bickering sisters and the attentions of a swoonalicious lawyer turned contractor, she discovers that sometimes happiness blossoms exactly where you weren’t looking for it.

Sometimes a girl just wants a cute, steamy fun romance to remind her that life isn’t all bad and SIMPLY IRRESISTABLE was just the tonic for me. Jill Shalvis has a style of writing that makes her books the equivalent of drinking a yummy hot chocolate curled up in front of a roaring fire. They just make you feel warm and gooey inside and you can’t help but close the book feeling light and happy.

I loved Maddie’s character and outlook on life. Despite being dealt some rough cards, she has the ability to see positivity and magic where others see hopelessness and her determination to reconnect with her sisters and honour her mother’s last wishes was admirable and sweet. The relationship between the three sisters was definitely the highlight for me, being the youngest of three, I could recognise a lot of the roles sisters tend to play when they are together and that unique and special dynamic only they can have with each other. Their personalities and differences definitely shone in this book and I’m so eager to continue with this series and read Tara and Chloe’s books!

Despite the cute and light theme of the book, Shalvis doesn’t shy away from heavier, emotional issues which was great and really added a depth I wouldn’t have thought would be present in a book like this.

The description of the town itself was another highlight and really makes me ache to find a real-life Lucky Harbor. It has a very Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls feel to the place, with warm characters who know everything about everybody, small businesses that support each other and a real community.

Of course we can’t forget the romance. Shalvis knows how to write heroes worthy of all the swoons and Jax was no exception. I loved how caring and sweet he was while being the Alpha male without the added arrogance. His connection with Maddie was wonderful and I loved their moments together, both steamy and hilarious.

It’s interesting considering I complain about insta-love a lot, how romance-centric books like this where the characters fall for each other within days/weeks don’t bother me. Does anyone else feel like this?

I think I’ve waxed lyrical enough about how much I adored this book and cannot wait to read more of this series!

Utterly romantic with warm, likeable characters and a great storyline,

SIMPLY IRRESISTABLE was a hit!

4 Responses to “Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis | Review”

Awww, I’m so glad you liked this. When I first read this I wasn’t all that in love with it. I thought it was okay, but I wasn’t sure that Jill Shavlis was for me. So I didn’t read anything else by her for a long time. But this year I rediscovered Lucky Harbor and I have FALLEN IN LOVE! I’ve particularly liked her more recent books.

I’ve been thinking about the whole insta-love thing too. Because I usually don’t love that either (although I’ve never hated it) but in certain romance books it does really work for me. I think the key is showing that although they maybe fell for each other quickly, that they really do have a solid love and caring for each other. Not just telling us they fell in love, but showing us why they had this connection.

Yes! I noticed you were reading them and looking forward to reading your reviews when I get to the books. Planning a binge read soon! I agree that Jill is great at showing how the relationship and chemistry develops despite the brevity of the relationship. I’m so looking forward to more of the books!

Comment try take two.. Anyway I’m so glad you liked this one!! I adore Jill Shalvis. I also dislike instalove but I think with Jill she develops the characters so well and they TALK and it seems genuine. Also yay WA. 🙂 even though it’s fictional — I’d totally visit!! I haven’t read one of these in awhile I think I’m due for another lucky harbor read! I’m on 5 now!